Highland Park Freya 15 years Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Orkney Islands, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Aged for 15 years, details on specific distillation and maturation processes are not provided, but there's mention of possible ex-bourbon and refill sherry casks involvement.
Age Statement: 15 years.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the bottle's glass is noted to be not very clear, with spots and a rim from the production process, intended to give it an old look.
Bottle Design: The bottle is designed to look ancient, with a presentation box featuring dragon heads of Viking longships and the goddess Freyja. The box has a movable back with magnets for easy removal and replacement of the bottle.

Balance of Flavors: Strong and powerful with a notable bitterness and a slight smokiness.
Unique Characteristics: High ABV (51.2%), resulting in a strong impact on the nose and palate. The flavor profile includes vanilla, fruit, cherries, tropical fruits (mango, papaya), white chocolate, almonds, orange peel, oak, and a hint of citrus grass.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its unique characteristics and high ABV set it apart from more commonly available Highland Park expressions.

Series: Part of the Valhalla Collection, following the Toa and Loki releases, with a focus on Norse mythology.
Mythological Connection: Named after Freya, the Norse goddess of love and fertility, with packaging and storytelling elements that draw on her mythology, including her necklace Brisingamen and the Aurora Borealis.

Orkney's Norse Heritage: The Orkney Islands' strong Norse heritage, due to historical possession by the Norse and later integration into Scotland, is highlighted as a reason for the Norse mythology theme of the Valhalla Collection.

"A collector's item... if you are able to find a bottle on the shelf, take it immediately."
"This is a strong, powerful single malt whisky... not for those looking for easy drinking."
"The number of bottles will be quite small... less than ten thousand bottles for the complete world isn't too much."

Highland Park Freya is a 15-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from the Orkney Islands, part of the Valhalla Collection.
It features a strong, powerful flavor profile with a high ABV, notable bitterness, and a slight smokiness, alongside flavors of vanilla, fruit, and tropical notes.
The whisky is presented in a bottle designed to look ancient, within a box adorned with Norse mythology elements.
It draws cultural significance from Orkney's Norse heritage, with storytelling focused on the goddess Freya.
Described as a collector's item due to its limited availability and unique characteristics.

Whisky Collectors: Given its limited release and unique presentation, collectors would be particularly interested in acquiring a bottle.
Fans of Norse Mythology: Individuals with an interest in Norse mythology would appreciate the thematic elements of the Valhalla Collection.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a palate for strong, intense flavors and high ABV whiskies would enjoy the Highland Park Freya.